Sterling College (VT)
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

Within the Sterling community, we believe everyone should have equal access to community resources and opportunities. While not always the case, inequity is most commonly associated with groups that have experienced discrimination related to their race, ethnicity, nationality, language, religion, socioeconomics, gender, gender presentation, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Equity implies a need for fairness (not necessarily equality) in the distribution of resources, and the entitlement of everyone to an engaging, supported, and meaningful educational experience.

STERLING COLLEGE COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY

We believe that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and that our community is strengthened through diversity. Sterling College is committed to creating and maintaining a community which:

-Is free from racism, sexism, homophobia, and other prejudices
-Is free from the weight of hate, discrimination and fear
-Promotes and fosters physical and emotional safety
-Fosters civil and respectful dialogue

https://sterlingcollege.edu/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/

An in-depth description of our discrimination policy is on the Sterling College Community Guidebook listed at the web address included here. The response team includes the Dean of Community and two Title IX coordinators.

According to our Safety and Security webpage, "The Dean of Students and Risk Management Committee review all crimes for manifest evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender presentation, ethnicity, or disability. Any student, faculty member or employee who is the victim of a bias-motivated incident or hate crime is encouraged to file a report immediately. The College takes all reports seriously and will thoroughly investigate every incident and work with local law enforcement agencies whenever necessary."

An example from the past year was a student-based complaint that the College was privileging “predators”. As a result of that complaint, the College formed a
Community Care Task Force, coordinated transformative justice trainings, and revised the Community Accountability Report. A Campus Climate Survey was also implemented in the past year to assess feelings of safety around bias and discrimination. The results of this survey have been assessed by the College's Equity Council who have put into place an action plan for addressing concerns raised through this data. A third example of support for students is an inclusive marketing policy to address student concerns about authentic representation. The draft policy is currently being reviewed by students of color and LGBTQ+ students and will be adopted no later than July 1. A fourth example is the addition of a Diversity and Inclusion Fellow who will provide support to those affected by bias incidents, acts of discrimination or hate crimes through activism, advocacy, academics, and student life.

Admission has recruiting plans in place for students of color, LGBTQ students, and veterans. Faculty and staff recruiting has been reviewed so we can get as many underrepresented groups applying for these positions as possible.

Sterling College provides direct student support through a number of channels. Community Advisors are trained peer support. For students looking for support from their more specific community, Sterling provides Pride for LGBTQ+ students and Roots for BIPOC students. Sterling also has weekly Community Meetings and Student Life Council where all students, staff, and faculty come together, face-to-face, to discuss issues and concerns, and demonstrate our appreciation for each other.

Safety and Security reporting (including bias reporting): https://www.sterlingcollege.edu/safety-and-security/